St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1887-04-30
CHESTER a. ARTHUR.
Interesting Memorial Exercises in the En-.
pi:r state Capitol to the Late Ex-Presi.
Eloquent ] tributes by Benjamin T.
brewster and ChauncY VI. Depew.

pi:r state Capitol to the Late Ex-Presi.
Gent-Eloquent Tributes by benjamin T.
brewster and Chauncy VI. Depew.
ALBANY. N. Y, April 21.-The exerci ses
n memory Of the late President Arthur,
which were hell in the Assembly cham
Der last evening attracted a large and
list ngushc | audience, including most OF
he Senators and Assemblymen and many
If their wives; the relatives Of
Mr.. Arthur, including c.. a. Arthur, Jr.,
Mss Ellen Arthur, James S. Mastcn and
Arthur II. Masten, of Cohoes: Mr.. and
Mrs. J. f. McElrov. Miss Mamie McElroy
and Mr.. W. II. McElroy. Among others
present were Surrogate Rollins of New
York and ex-United States Marshal Nc
Michael. Of Washington. The chamber was
simply draped with the National colors.
| A large portrait was placed behind the
! Speakers desk.
The meeting was called to order by
Senator Smith, who introduced Governor
Hill as chairman. The Governor, who was
warmly applauded. responded n few
words appropriate to the occasion. Ad-
dresses were then delivered by ex United
States Acknowledgement Brewster, who
/ elOquentlv outlined the cX-President's
exalted career, and by Hon. Chauncey NJ.
Depew, who paid high tribute to the
character and achievements OF the lie
! ceased. In the course Of MS address Mr..
Depew said:
! when the end came for General Gar
field, Arthur entered the White House as
he had taken the oath of Cffice-alone A
weaker man would have succumted,
narrower one would have seized upon
the patronage and endeavored to build
up his power by strengthening his
faction. But the lineage and training of
Arthur stood in this solemn and critical
hour for patriotism and manliness.
Friends, co-WorKers with him in the old
lines, and associates under the old condi-
! lions, looking for opportunities, for recog
milton or for revenge, retired chastened
and enlightened from the President of the
United States. President Arthur will be
distinguished both for what he did and
what he refraine1 from doing. The strain
and intensity of public feeling. the
vehcmence of the angry and viHdictive
passions of the time. demanded the
rarest of negative as we'll as positive
qualities. His calm and even course of
government allayed all excitement and
appealed to the better judgment of the
people. But though not aggressive or
brilliant his administration was sensible
conditions which created and attended it.
He spoke vigorously for the
reform and Improvement of the civil
service, and when Congress, acting upon
his suggestions, enacted the law, he
constructed the machinery for its ex-
ecutlon which has since accom- plished
most satisfactory, though as yet incom-
plete results. On questions of currency
and finance he met the needs of
the public and private credit, and
the best comm arcial sentiment Of the
country. He knew the necessity for
efficient coast defenses and navy equal
to the requirements Of the age. He keen
ly felt the weakness of our merchant
marine and the total destruction of the
proud position we had formerly held
among the maritime nations of the world
and did what he could to move Congress
to wise and patriotic lie g.slation.
There has rarely been, in the history of
popular governments. so great contrast
in the public appreciation of General
Arthur at the time of his inauguration
and when he retired from office. The
President of whom little was expected
and much feared returned to private life.
enjoying IN a larger degree than most of
his predecessors the profound respect and
warm regard OF the people without dis.
tincton of party.
He said to me early in his administra.
ton: my sole ambition is 10 enjoy the
confidence of my countrym en.'' Toward
this noble ideal he strove with undeviat-
ing purpose. Even in the mistakes he
made could be seen his manly struggle
to be right. Once again in private
station, and resuming the practice of his
profession, he moved among his fellow
citizens, receiving the homage and
recognition which came of their pride in
the way he had borne the honors and ad
ministered the duties of the chief
magistracy of the Republic. In his
last illness he had the sympathy
and prayers of the Nation and the
grand gathering of men most distin guish-
ed in every department of our public and
private life, who sorrowfully bore him to
the grave, was the solemn tribute of the
whole people through their representa-
tives to his worth as a man and his emf
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